Dez is back and he’s funnier, wittier, cleverer than ever. Book 2 was nonstop action and humor and it was the perfect balance. Dez answers the call to help a friend whose sister was attacked for no known reason. From there, with the help of the sisters he starts to uncover the motive and bests every person who comes across his path. The ending left quite the little cliffhanger and I can’t wait to read book 3 to see what happens next.

Thanks to NetGalley and Minotaur Books for the arc.

Deadlock follows The Gatekeeper in James Byrne's military thriller series starring retired mercenary soldier Desmond Aloysius 'Dez' Limerick

In this 2nd in the series, Dez answers a call for help from a friend and ends up facing a mercenary army! The action is explosive and the dialogue consistently entertains.

Published by Minotaur Books on August 8, 2023

It would be difficult to find a more likeable tough guy protagonist than Desmond Limerick. He isn’t a pacifist, but he prefers to avoid violence when he can. Unfortunately, he has a tendency to make enemies who want to kill him. He might kill to solve a problem on occasion, but he has a moral compass that limits his use of violence for retribution. He can be creatively nonviolent when people need to be punished. There are nevertheless times when he concludes that threats must be eliminated to protect people he cares about.

Deadlock is the second novel about Dez, a former soldier from the UK who attained the legendary status of gatekeeper. He opens locks and gates and holds them open until the mission is complete. He’s retired from a military life and isn’t seeking similar work in the private sector. Rather, he’s moved to the US where he plays his guitar and enjoys his life. At least, that’s the goal.

A young woman named Raziah, whose band Dez occasionally joins, asks him to help her sister, who has been facing threats in Portland. Laleh was writing a profile of a forensic auditor who was looking into Clockwork, a Portland tech firm that does all sorts of good around the world. After the auditor died, someone apparently worried that Laleh learned something from him that she shouldn’t know.

Dez goes to Portland, thwarts thugs who plan to kill Laleh in her hospital room, then makes a plan to keep the sisters safe. In the long term, that plan requires him to learn why Laleh has been targeted so he can eliminate the threat. As he unlocks various doors, he learns that Clockwork has been infiltrated by criminals who have a clever scheme to gain and shelter ill-gotten wealth. I won’t discuss the details but I will say that, while some of their criminal tactics are familiar, the ultimate criminal goal it’s a surprisingly original. Kudos to James Byrne for coming up with something new.

Dez endeavors not only to keep the sisters alive, but to help the older sister understand her younger sibling. He makes a new female friend (a Russian bar owner named Veronika) and patches up a relationship with a British SIS agent whose career he might have destroyed during his gatekeeping days. The novel’s plot and subplots arrive at tidy resolutions. Is there anyone who doesn’t enjoy a well-crafted thriller?

Dez’s attitude, reflected in snappy and very funny dialog, contributes to his likeability. He has other traits that make him a terrific thriller hero, including humility, a sense of fair play, and fierce loyalty to his friends. Laleh is astonished that Dez hasn’t tried to sleep with Raziah, but she’s only nineteen and Dez sees her as a talented singer/songwriter, not as a conquest. He isn’t sanctimonious about right and wrong — he’s able to make flexible moral choices — but he always does the right thing, even when that he does morally questionable things for the right reason. There’s enough nuance in his character to make him interesting and enough integrity to make him admirable.

Byrne keeps the story in constant motion. Action scenes are more inventive than readers encounter in standard thrillers. Dez is often the target of shootings but he tends not to use guns. He prefers to settle disputes by outthinking his enemy but he has no problem using his fists. One powerful punch is typically all he needs to subdue a foe. He improvises weapons as needed to win battles. Dez's ability to think and plan sets him apart from action heroes whose idea of thinking is to decide which gun to use next.

Deadlock is every bit as good as The Gatekeeper. At a time when most tough guy series have gone stale, it’s good for action novel fans to have a new thriller hero keeping the genre fresh.

RECOMMENDED

Fast-paced and action-packed thriller. The main character, Dez Limerick, is a unique and resourceful type who does what has to be done and is supremely loyal to his friends. I had a lot of fun reading this one.

Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for a free e-ARC of this book.

Dead Lock is the second book in James Byrne's Dez Limerick series, I found this to be an enjoyable read. Fast paced and it kept me turning the pages. I would recommend it to others.

I received an ARC from NetGalley and the publisher, and I am leaving my review voluntarily.

This is the second book in the Dez Limerick series, and having read and loved the first one, I was really happy to jump into this new adventure with Dez. And this one did not disappoint. Dez is an interesting guy - a jack of all trades, and master of many - especially the important ones like, oh, saving the world. In his past professional life he was what's known as a "gatekeeper" - excelling at opening doors (both physical and virtual doors) and keeping them open long enough to complete the job at hand. In his "retirement" he enjoys traveling and improving his amateur musical skills, but somehow still finds ways to use those professional skills from his past life. He's the kind of action hero I like - he has a distinct moral compass, he's fiercely loyal, he has a quirky sense of humor. His adversaries here are part of a company that's supposedly all on the side of good - but underneath the shiny altruistic surface, they're a completely different beast. The powers that be in the company make a gross tactical error when they threaten one of Dez's friends and her sister, and that fiercely loyal side of him kicks in. Fun read - can't wait to see what lies in store for Dez in the future.
Thanks to Netgalley and St. Martin's Press for providing a copy for an unbiased review.

DEADLOCK by James BYRNE
Publication: 8/87/2023 by St Martin’s Press/ Minotaur Books
And Macmillan Audio
Narrated by: JOHN KEATING


Better than James Bond! A complex multilayered high octane thriller with non-stop action, intrigue, and menace. Our intrepid hero is Desmond Aloysius Limerick (“my friends call me Dez”) , who looks nothing like an action hero. Dez is five-eight but built like a tank, with a barrel chest, thick arms, short bowed legs, and oversized hands riddled with scarred knuckles. His scars, burns, and bullet wounds paint a road map of the world’s hot spots.
His past and training is shrouded in mystery, but he obviously was a seasoned veteran of black ops and clandestine ventures. On the inside of his right forearm is a tattoo of Janus, the two-faced Roman god of doors, gates, and transitions …. the patron for duality - life/ death , war / peace, beginning / ending…. holding the metaphorical key to doors or gateways between what was and what is to come.
Dez was an expert at opening doors that others couldn’t and keeping them open as long as necessary. A small part of his skill set involved hacking into security and information systems, as well as physically picking locks. His crew gave him the nom de plume of “The Gatekeeper” His mongrel accent is reflective of his upbringing in Liverpool, Ireland, and Scotland. Much like Nelson DeMille’s John Corey character, Dez cannot help but pepper his conversation with quips and wisecracks .. somewhat shrouding his true guile and mental acuity. He can quote writers and philosophers, yet is an expert at throwing and taking punches.
Dez was attempting a retirement and finds himself in Los Angeles, when he receives a frantic phone call from a long time musician friend,Raziah, fearful for her sister, Laleh, a journalist who was brutally attacked and lies in the hospital severely injured. This may have been related to a story she was working on. She recently reported on the death of an auditor for a highly influential tech firm. When he comes to the hospital, he is immediately called into action as he confronts several thugs intent on completing Laleh’s demise. This high tech company is known as Clockjack, and has reached the level of recognition of a Google or Microsoft,,,, and their reach extends into the U.S. government … making them virtually untouchable. Two of the founders have died under suspicious circumstances. They have been replaced by two other men who have taken over control of the company. They are employing former convicts and mercenaries for a covert operation, under the guise of normal corporation workings. As Dez becomes involved the body count and turmoil exponentially increases.
This sequel can be devoured as a standalone, as Byrne expertly weaves into the narrative the necessary backstory. James Byrne proves to be a marvelous storyteller as he weave a complex ant twisted tale of intrigue, menace, and mounting tension that escalates into a taut and unpredictable roller coaster denouement. With his impeccable character building, the multilayered actors seem to jump off the page. I personally alternated between the kindle and the audiobook version narrated by John Keating, The wonderful narration brings to life the full charm and wit of Dez, along with his empathy and sense of justice. This intriguing tale will appeal to aficionados of Lee Child’s “Jack Reacher” and Gregg Hurwitz’ “Orphan X” series, as well as Nelson DeMille’s “John Corey/“

I haven’t read the first book in the Gatekeeper series, but this second book stands on its own. In fact, I didn’t realize that there was a first book until after I’d read this one. And what is a gatekeeper? He (or she) is an action hero who would be a match for Rambo, John Wick, John McClane (Die Hard), etc.

Dez Limerick is a gatekeeper, and when a good friend’s sister is in trouble, he is happy to help. What he uncovers is so much more than one attempted murder! Dez is up to the task, though, and with his unmatched skills, he shows that he can take on just about anything.

The characters are well-developed, and I like how the villains are each evil in their own way. Along with the characters, the humor and the relationships Dez has with others on top of the action make this a great read.

Now, I need to read the first book!

A crazy good plot with non stop action.
Many thanks to St. Martin’s Press and to Netgalley for providing me with a galley in exchange for my honest opinion.

I loved this book, it was a totally fun read. Another amazingly clever and skilled guy, rides into to town to rescue damsels in distress, and does so with both violence and charm. With some of the skills and body type reminiscent of Jack Reacher ( the earlier iterations) he kicked butt and even better, thought way ahead of everybody. That is the part of Des I really enjoyed, although his capacity for snark is pretty impressive as well.

Most of these stories follow a predictable, if successful pattern, this one was really a pleasure to read, Can't wait to read more.

really good book and kept me on my on my toes of what would happen. really enjoyed the characters and their journey and would read this author again.

Thank you, NetGalley and St. Martin's Press, Minotaur Books for the copy of Deadlock by James Byrne. The first time I tried reading it, I gave up. I waited a few months and tried again,and I ended up liking it., although it took a while because I didn’t like Dez at all. The book reminded me of the “men’s adventure” books from the 80s, where the men were smart, big, and strong, and women were only described for their appearance and bodies. The story was really good, though, so the book was really readable. If you can put up with how "alpha male-centric" the book is you will enjoy it. I don’t think it’s a series I will continue, because I like it, but not enough.

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Dez Limerick is truly a fascinating individual. With his multitude of talents, including his past as a mercenary, it's no wonder that he has a reputation for being both handsome and a great friend. He also possesses a quick wit that can leave you doubled over with laughter or moved to tears in the middle of a sentence.

Despite retiring and completing his last task, Dez's life takes an unexpected turn when he receives a call from his friend Raziah, who urgently needs his help with her injured sister Lelah. Little did Dez know that this simple act of kindness would put both Raziah and Lelah in danger, as they were being followed and watched. The hospital scenes that follow are truly shocking, and leave you on the edge of your seat wondering what will happen next.

Although the plot may seem unrealistic, it's easy to get lost in this story and become invested in the characters. As the authorities get involved, the action intensifies, and we see just how many connections Dez has - he truly is a nice guy who people are willing to help.

As the story progresses, a large corporation becomes involved, and it quickly becomes clear that people are dying. The suspense builds, leaving you wondering who will be next, and whether Dez can stop this dangerous domino effect. Overall, this book boasts a fantastic plot, strong and well-developed characters, and is an all-around wonderful read that I highly recommend. With Dez as the main character, it's no wonder that readers are drawn in - he truly is an interesting individual with so much to offer. I really really like Dez.

I received an ARC of this book. This second book was just as intense as the first. A thrilling suspense story with a great main character. Jump in and you have to hang on until the end!

Whew! I didn't realize this was a second book in a series but I believe I got the main idea without having read it. However, I may read the first book just for fun. Fast paced,page turner. The dialect of the main character seems more Aussie than British. Would be interesting to know what any Brits think about Dez's tone. A fair amount if profanity but seems ok for the characters. Lots of action,assassinations,murder and mayhem. Not for the faint of heart. Covers gives basics but it's that and more with some comedic moments with government agencies being the target. Quick read. Have fun with it. I was provided an advanced reader copy and was under no obligation to provide a review. The opinions expressed are my own. Thanks to the author, publisher and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this book.

This is my first James Byrne book but will not be my last. Very well written, fast paced and very suspenseful.
Dez is a special ops expert, he was good at “in and out” and kept the teams alive. He has since retired. A young woman, Raziah, calls him for help, Raziah’s sister, Laleh, a journalist was brutally attacked. It appeared to be related to a story she was working on. She is in the hospital when he goes to see her. The seriousness of the attack is confirmed when Dez takes out a pair of thugs going after Laleh during his visit to the hospital.. Dez realizes that Raziah and Laleh are in grave danger.
A tech company called Clockjack has slowly grown to be a mega influence in the area. Their reach goes all the way to the U.S. Government, making them untouchable. The heads of the company have motives. Dez helping his friends brings out local law enforcement along with the DEA and the U.S. Marshals Service. They don’t initially understand what type of man he is. The folks at Clockjack have never gone against Dez so they are in for a surprise.
Thank you to Netgalley and St Martins Press for the advanced copy in exchange for my honest review.

Desmond Aloysius Limerick (Dez) is a special ops expert was active, he was good at “in and out” and kept the teams alive. He was a Soldier of Fortune but has retired. When a young woman, Raziah, calls him for help, he answers yes. Raziah’s sister, Laleh, a journalist was brutally attacked. It appeared to be related to a story she was working on. She is in the hospital when he goes to see her. The seriousness of the attack is confirmed when Dez takes out a pair of thugs with designs on Laleh during his visit to the hospital. Dez is not subtle in either his attitude or his methods to help them. Dez realizes that Raziah and Laleh are in grave danger. A tech company called Clockjack has slowly grown to be a mega influence in the area on the level of Google or Microsoft, and their reach goes all the way to the U.S. Government, making them untouchable. The heads of the company have motives. Dez helping his friends brings out local law enforcement along with the DEA and the U.S. Marshals Service. They don’t initially understand what type of man he is. The odds might be against Dez and the people he cares about staying alive. The folks at Clockjack have never gone against Dez so they are in for a surprise. Will Dez survive the interviews done by the DEA and the U.S. Marshall Service? Knowing that a live video feed will be seen by the people he’s going after, Dez buys popcorn and stands in plain sight eating it, ticking off Clockjack. Dex never worries about having “the upper hand” when it comes to Clockjack.

Dez is an amazing character. He is smart, aware, skilled and funny. He doesn’t panic even when things don’t go as planned. The author writes in the international thriller genre and the other in traditional detective fiction, with his generally relaxed, concise style leaning to the latter. Short chapters mark frequent changes of location and a brisk pace, as the plot pings all over the earth. I enjoyed the action -packed novel.. I hope more “dex” books will be written. I will be very disappointed if there are no more.

Fast paced thriller that kept my attention throughout. The parts with humor were just lovely additions. Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher.

I really liked this book and the character Dez. He was funny but a formidable opponent. This had plenty of action, a corrupt organization, mercenaries, ex-military soldiers, mild romance, death, friendship, destruction and more. When Dez makes a promise to protect someone, he will do it until he dies. Great writing, characters and story. Even though it is the 2nd in a series, it can be read as a stand-alone book. Now I want to go and read the first book in the series to learn more about Dez.

This review was originally posted on Books of My Heart


Review copy was received from NetGalley. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.

Dez is an interesting character with a lot of education and skills. He has worked for various governments as a gatekeeper. He is educated in physics and electrical engineering, but also by life's experiences in various spots around the world. His irreverent attitude is tied up in his own moral code. He sometimes has compassion. He's an equalizer type of guy for the underdogs who are in trouble they didn't start.

Dez is retired now and is visiting California. He's playing music on piano and guitar. A young woman, who is a talented musician he sometimes accompanies, Raziah, calls him for help when her sister is attacked and nearly killed. Dez jumps into action to protect the sisters and help them figure out why she was targeted. She is a business reporter who did a piece on her good friend who recently died, and he was doing an audit of Clockwork. They don't start knowing his skills but are quickly brought up to speed.

Dez, with very little help from the authorities, puts himself wholeheartedly into protecting the sisters, while figuring out the bad guys and fending off attempts to kill him. The action is fast-paced and like the first book, The Gatekeeper, Dez seems nearly insane for the risks he takes on his own. He gets injured plenty and luckily he does have some friends and even a friendly enemy. People from the first book are now friends who come to his aid.

Deadlock is a frightening example of what happens when the world is caught up with technology and political power to the detriment of ordinary people. The bad guys get richer and more powerful. It takes an extraordinary effort and skills to stop them. I really enjoyed watching Dez do his thing. A few threads are open which I hope will come to life in the next book in the Dez Limerick series.